B VIRUS INFECTION

SYMPTOMS

Typically, symptoms emerge one month after exposure to the B virus, although they may appear as early as three to seven days after exposure.

The first signs of a B virus infection are often flu-like:

• Fatigue
• headache
• muscle ache
• fever and chills

Afterward, small blisters may develop in the incision or the area of your body that came into contact with the monkey.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Breathing difficulty
• Vomiting and nausea
• Hiccups

As the disease progresses, the virus spreads to the spinal cord and brain, where it causes inflammation. This may result in:

• Brain injury and serious nervous system damage
• Neurologic and inflammatory symptoms surrounding the wound site
• Death
• Muscle coordination problems

DIAGNOSIS

Obtain viral culture and serologic testing specimens from the exposed individual and, if possible, the related monkey.

From an exposed individual

• It is recommended to collect acute and convalescent serum for serologic testing.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing samples should be collected only if symptoms of B virus infection develop; they should not be collected at the time of exposure since the collection procedure may drive the infectious virus deeper into the lesion.

From a related monkey

• A saliva sample should be taken for B virus PCR testing to verify whether the monkey is actively shedding B virus.
• A serum sample should also be taken and examined to see whether the monkey is B virus seropositive.

TREATMENT

If you come into contact with a macaque monkey, get quick medical attention.

• First, carefully wash and gently clean the wound or region of your body that had touched the monkey for 15 minutes using soap, detergent, or iodine.
• After that, run water over the cut or region for another 15 to 20 minutes. Then, seek medical assistance right away. Inform your healthcare provider that you were exposed to a B virus-infected macaque monkey.

If your healthcare professional concludes that you necessitate treatment for a B virus infection, antiviral drugs may be prescribed. It is believed that timely first aid and treatment for high-risk exposures are critical to averting life-threatening sickness.